|
for service as set forth in the
following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a reconnaissance scout
with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division in
action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the
Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 5 March 1968, during
OPERATION ROCK, First Class Johnson was a member of a fifteen-man
reconnaissance patrol manning an observation post on Hill 146 overlooking
the Quan Duc Duc Valley deep in enemy controlled territory. They were
attacked by a platoon-size hostile force employing automatic weapons,
satchel charges and hand grenades. Suddenly a hand grenade landed in the
three- man fighting hole occupied by Private First Class Johnson and two
fellow Marines. Realizing the inherent danger to his comrades, he shouted
a warning and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the explosive device.
When the grenade exploded, Private First Class Johnson absorbed the
tremendous impact of the blast and was killed instantly. His prompt and
heroic act saved the life of one Marine at the cost of his own and
undoubtedly prevented the enemy from penetrating his sector of the
patrol's perimeter. Private First Class Johnson's courage inspiring valor
and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country. |
